From Fatherless to Fatherhood

by Omar Epps

Author and world renowned actor Omar Epps chronicles his journey from humble beginnings in Brooklyn, New York, to the bright lights of Hollywood. Having grown up without his biological father, then becoming a father himself, Epps shares his story of pain and triumph in a uniquely visceral way. It’s an intimate, unapologetic, and emotional conversation about childhood, manhood, and parenting. From Fatherless to Fatherhood touches on many themes surrounding the importance of family and community. It also shows how men can break the cycle of fatherlessness within their families, and come to terms with their own issues surrounding their fathers. Fatherhood is about much more than providing food and shelter for a child. It’s about much more than cutting a check to check a box. Fatherhood is about being active in a child’s life, and cultivating those sacred bonds of family. It’s about guiding and teaching a child how to be a loving, honest, respectful individual who will permeate goodness to all they encounter.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

128 pages, Paperback

Published May 4, 2018

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes so much sense.

[Ashley Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

His story gives me a different perspective on my relationship with my father. Great read!

[Tamia Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked reading this book and really grasping his perspective on fatherhood. It made me reflect a lot on my relationship.

[Erica Blount · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and I loved the way the author sends encouraging messages behind his personal story about fatherhood!!

[Sip And Flip Book Club Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love his story. He changed my whole perspective on “Fatherhood”.

[Book Reviews by Tara aka Queen of Memoirs · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️'s for From Fatherless To Fatherhood. Great book! Different from any other celebrity author I've ever read. Most celebrities write memoirs or autobiographies. But this book provided a very different experience for me. What made it different is that it focused on just one topic. Fatherhood! In this book Omar does a phenomenal job of explaining the affects one can experience from being abandoned by his or her father. But Omar does not end the conversation there. He also details what it takes to be a strong father in today's world with social media coupled with today's music. In this book he makes no excuses. He holds everyone accountable (including hip hop). Woman are held accountable if they keep children from father's; and father's are held accountable for not being present in their children's lives.

Omar successfully executed a well-written piece of literature that contains a very strong and powerful message. I strongly urge every father, soon to be father, want to be father, and mother that is keeping her child from his or her father, to read this book. It is a definite eye-opener. As a daughter that was abandoned by my own father, I felt Omar's pain, confusion, and frustration. Yet, his words were therapeutic in many ways.

It's a small book at only 115 pages. My favorite part is the final chapter where in which he discusses the renewing of the mind. I loved Omar's vulnerability. His passion about the subject of fatherhood could be felt with each story he shared.

It is my hope that countless black men will read this book and be inspired to end the sad cycle of childhood abandonment.

[Michelle Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man and women both should read this!

This book was so good and this is coming from a single young foreign no kids. Omar Epps spoke on everything that deals with fatherhood. I've struggled with forgiving my father but I'm finally at peace. I recommend this to young men and women, expecting parents and parents going through and type of struggle with parenthood.

[Matthew Parris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read! Digs deep into the causes of fatherlessness in the black American community.

This book gave a confirmation of many of my thoughts on black fatherlessness, not only in America but all over the world.

I gave this short read 5 stars because I'd like more persons to read it.

[Angela Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fatherhood is amazing

This book was great!!! I feel like I understand the fear of not having a father when I did have one. Everyone can overcome anything it they choose to. It helps you to realize that you have to forgive to make yourself better.

[TERIK HAMPTON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiration

It was very inspiring for me. It brought some light tp my own relationship with my father. I recommended everyine read this book because it is alot of broken men in this world and we need to the support and be able to forgive and make better decisions.

[Barbara Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This book will open your mind and heart to the woes of fatherhood. I realized that being there physically and not mentally is fatherless also. Thank you Omar, your book made me see differently. The renewing of your mind has resonated in my spirit. God Bless you..

[Errin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I read this in one sitting. Even though I am a black woman, I could relate to do many things in this book. It was very well written and it gave me a chance to peer into the black man's perspective on fatherhood, love, relationships, respect, and integrity.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for men and women.

[Rhina M. Finley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omar Epps is a great author and admire his story. I love the fact that he shared his experiences. He became the father he always wanted.

[Rasheem Shabazz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up fatherless is a non-stop throbbing pain that can’t even be put into words. I finally felt understood, reading this book. Thank you Omar Epps.

[ChloeShondra Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read about his experience of his father being absent and him becoming a father. He spoke good things about fatherhood.

[Te'Keya Growe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the overall concept of the book. Epps speaks on beliefs he holds strongly, as the title clearly reveals, mostly pertaining to fatherhood. He also touches on other aspects of the family dynamic, and it in relation to society. My only wish is that this piece of work would’ve been more memoir, and less self-help-ish. It seemed to contain more direction than storytelling; and I was looking forward to reading more about his personal life experiences in his journey from fatherless to fatherhood.

As you may notice, it’s not lengthy at all, so it won’t hurt to give it a read.